Posted on 02/22/2008 2:04:21 PM PST by blam
Researchers enter Imperial tomb
The Yomiuri Shimbun
NARA--The Japanese Archaeological Association and 15 other academic bodies inspected Gosashi tomb, the burial place of Empress Jingu, in Nara for the first time on Friday.
The inspection came after the Imperial Household Agency granted a request by the academic bodies dating back to 1976 to inspect the tombs of emperors and other Imperial family members. Experts hope the move will lead to a full-scale investigation of Imperial tombs and the opening of the burial chambers to the public.
The Empress Jingu's tomb has a 270-meter keyhole-shaped tomb mound, built between the late fourth century and early fifth century. It is located at the western edge of the Sakitatenami tomb group.
Sixteen researchers, one from each academic organization, entered the tomb at about 1 p.m. from the front, led by an Imperial Household Agency official, and toured the lower part of the mound for about 2-1/2 hours. During an excavation five years ago while the tomb was being repaired, tiling stones and parts of haniwa clay figures were found.
The researchers were to determine the nature of the clay figures and examine the shape of the mound, which is constructed in a staircase pattern.
The agency had declined the request from researchers to inspect the Imperial tombs, claiming it would disturb the peace and sanctity of the sites.
(Feb. 23, 2008)
Still using moats I see...
Thats a lot of Koi fish in there I bet too!
Google earth shows several such features to the north and west of downtown Nara, predominantly oriented with the top of the keyhole to the north.
There are some excellent aerial photos but I can’t seem to find any today.
Wow, that’s really something. Jingu is one of the first definite leadership figures in Japan. One step closer to Amaterasu!
By the way, they don’t mention that she was buried in 2-3 century AD.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Meiji (center) in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, is shown in this aerial photo taken Thursday. KYODO PHOTO
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Thanks Blam. |
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